Politics & Government
Cohen Talks Roads, Taxes and Fire Station
Town Manager Paul Cohen spoke with Chelmsford Patch on Thursday.
Town Manager Paul Cohen spent lunch with Chelmsford Patch Thursday as part of Chelmsford Patch's first "Live Blog."
Cohen fielded questions about the roadways, affordable housing and taxes, to name a few topics.
Here are highlights of the chat:
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Krista Perry: Great. I received a question via e-mail from someone asking how much a new fire station might cost. Do we have any idea? I know the $7 million number was being tossed out there.
Town Manager Paul Cohen: The estimated cost is $7.5M. It should not be above $8M. The previous proposal was $9.1M. Comment From EricEric: As you know Mr. Van Liew has a very large following, Will you and your selectmen be able to work with him going forward if Elected?Town Manager Paul Cohen: Eric, I do not know how large a following that any candidate has. Whomever is elected will be one member of a five-member board. Everyone will meet and work together around the meeting table.
Find out what's happening in Chelmsfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Town Manager Paul Cohen: Pond Street is a connection point for public safety vehicles. It also provides a nice view of the pond for people who can travel but may have limited mobility outside of a vehicle
Comment From AndrewAndrew: Now that summer is coming and the removing of the lines has now caused uneven pavement on Robin Hill rd, can we get some Motorcycles use caution signs, and why was the yellow not completly removed it is like grey yellow grey yellow Town Manager Paul Cohen: Andrew, the DPW removed the lines rather than repainting them. Either method is/was imperfect.Comment From DaveDave: What is the current status of the DPW work at Alpha Rd?
Town Manager Paul Cohen: Dave, Take a ride by the Alpha Road/Tracey Road site. The mild winter has allowed for most of the site work to be completed. The roof replacement is scheduled to be bid within two weeks Comment From LucyLucy: How much money has the town spent on snow removal this year? Is there available money for other things?
Town Manager Paul Cohen: Lucy, the Town should finish the winter with over $500,000 in snow and ice monies. This is one time monies. I would be reluctant to commit this money to personnel or expenses with recurring costs. Therefore, it may be wise to direct such monies to one-time capital expenses such as building projects
Comment From GuestGuest: Mr. Cohen, can residents expect any relief in residential property taxes in the near term?
Town Manager Paul Cohen: Guest, Chelmsford's taxes have gone up like every other town across the state. As I have repeatedly mentioned, Chelmsford tax ranking has fallen a bit in recent years. State aid is less than it was 5 years ago. Also, if one cuts taxes then one would need to cut services. I think that the residents would prefer to maintain quality schools, good public safety, and other services that provide a good quality of life.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.